E. Russell
December 1, 1923 — July 9, 2015
On the evening of July 9, 2015, after a long illness Elbert "Jack" Russell, age 91, passed into the arms of his Lord at his home in Schertz, TX, surrounded by his loving family. Jack was born on December 1, 1923, in Richwood, West Virginia to Vella (Gibbon) and Leonard Russell. When he was a teenager, his family moved to Columbus, Ohio. In 1941, he graduated from Hillard High School. He loved music, playing the drums, guitar, and singing, especially with family. He started working at Nationwide Insurance Co. as an IBM Operator, June 1941. After WWII broke out, he joined the USAF and was stationed at Randolph Air Force Base, Universal City, Texas, in Administrative Services from 1943 to 1946. It was during this time that he met the love of his life, Ardice Hild. They were married in Cibolo, TX March 23, 1946. After completing his military service, he and Ardice move to Columbus, Ohio. In 1946, Jack returned to Nationwide Insurance Co., in the Data Processing Department, and later, to become the Director of Management Information Systems Development. He was also a member of Data Processing Management Association, serving as chairman of the board and regional director; he belonged to the Insurance Accounting and Statistical Association. Jack retired June 26, 1981. During this time, Jack and Ardice lived in Upper Arlington, a suburb of Columbus, raising 3 daughters. Summers were occupied with backyard parties, with family and friends; trips to Cibolo,TX, visiting Ardice's parents. Fall and winter were devoted to football, especially The Ohio State Buckeyes, where Jack ushered for many years. In 1995, after living a short time in Pompano Beach, FL. Jack and Ardice move to the 80 year old farmhouse of Ardice's deceased parents, in Cibolo. They enjoyed their time on the farm, fixing up the house, and the many visits from their children, grandchildren and friends. Jack and Ardice were members of the Riverside Methodist Church in Upper Arlington and after moving to Cibolo, they became members of St. Paul Evangelical Church. He was also a member of the American Legion. Jack was a devout Christian, a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He set a positive example, including a strong work ethic, religious upbringing, a generous heart and a good friend to many. He will be dearly missed by all who celebrate the fact that he is at peace with his creator. Jack is survived by his wife Ardice Russell; daughters, Andrea Sturm of Sadler, TX, Diane Ballard (William) of Findlay, OH, Denise Masters (Thom) of Charlotte, NC; grandchildren, Michael Sturm of Sadler, TX, Caryn Dixon (Luke) of Murfreesboro, TN, Stacie Pollard (Michael) of Franklin, TN, Stephen Ballard of Dallas, TX, Kelly Masters of Atlanta, GA: and great grandchildren Haley Dixon and Olivia Pollard. He was preceded in death by his parents, his step father, Harry Gibbon, his brother Eugene Russell and his sister Ethel Ransdell. The family would like to thank all the doctors and nurses at Northeast Methodist Hospital who helped during his illness, and also the caregivers at Heart to Heart Hospice. The viewing and service will be at Schertz Funeral Home, located at 2217 FM 3009, Schertz, TX. The viewing will be on Sunday, July 12, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm. The service will be held Monday, July 13, at 12:00 noon, with the interment to take place at the Wesley Chapel Cemetery in Hilliard, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The American Cancer Society, the American Diabetic Assoc. or a charity of your choice in Jack's name.
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